The are significant differences in the Boeing 737 MAX exit doors including the latest MAX models plus earlier models.
The Boeing 737 MAX 9 involved in the exit door incident is a longer model than the standard -8 model, or the yet-to-certified – 7 model and requires two additional exit doors located between the rear of the wing and the doors at the back of the plane.
However, the Alaska Airlines aircraft are only configured for 179 seats so these exit doors are not required and thus there is a seat row in place next to the door.
Now, the FAA has read more ⇒
Source:: AirlineRatings.Com